The electric potential between two parallel conducting plates of known surface charge density is discussed in detail. This example is of particular interest because it is used to illuminate the relationship between force, field, voltage and energy.

The integral that defines electric potential is evaluated in the context of two uniform, spherically symmetric charge distributions, the first of which results in the electric potential due to a point charge.

The problem of a mass connected to a spring is analyzed using Newton's 2nd law to reveal the harmonic oscillator differential equation which is then solved for the position, velocity and acceleration of the oscillator as a function of time. Arguments ...

Rolling is described as a linear superposition of translational and rotational motion. A revelation is made regarding using the point of contact between the rolling object and the surface as the axis of rotation for the motion. The principles are app...

The problem of a pulley with a single mass attached is solved two different ways; with Newton's 2nd Law and with Energy. The differences in these two approaches are discussed. Also, the problem of a rigid uniform rod rotating vertically about a hinge...

Torque is demonstrated in the context of the classroom door and defined such that a rotational analog on Newton’s second law results. With this new version of the law, the problem of an Atwood’s machine with a massive pulley is solved.

The moment of inertia of a disk is derived and used to compare the dynamics of of a hoop and a disk of equal mass and radius as they roll down identical inclines. The fraction of energy transferred to rotational motion is discussed.

The moments of inertia are calculated for a few simple cases; a point particle, a hoop, a rod about its center of mass and a rod about its end. General observations are made about the properties of the moment of inertia including a derivation of the p...

The center of mass is defined in both its discrete and continuous forms and the observation is made that a system of particles can be generalized as the center of mass motion. Two essentials derivations are performed while finding the center of mass o...

The nature of elastic collisions is explored and it is pointed out that, by using mass ratios and coordinate systems in relative motion, all elastic collisions may be reduced to the collision of equal masses with one initially at rest.

Momentum is introduces in the context of what Newton described as the quantity of motion. The second law is then cast into a momentum form, revealing the notion of impulse and the suggestion of momentum as a conserved quantity.

A customized form of the law of conservation of energy is derived and its features described in detail. The relationship between conservative forces and their associated potential energies is revealed and explained. Finally, power is defined and its p...

In a special lecture of the series the kinetic energy is derived once again, but this time with respect for the variation of the mass with velocity resulting in the famous mass-energy relation. It goes on so long, a classroom door is used for extra sp...

In this, the introductory lecture on energy, the kinetic energy is derived using calculus by computing the effect of a force acting in the direction of motion. Energy is also described as a universal symmetry and some practical maters of its applicati...

The first of the more informal problem solving sessions in preparation for the exam. A toaster is pulled by its cord and the angle of maximum acceleration is determined. A block slides on a slab which, in turn, rests on a frictionless surface.

The velocity of an object subject to a drag force proportional to the square of the velocity is derived as well as the velocity of an object falling under the influence of gravity while subject to a drag force.

The centripetal acceleration is revealed by computing the change in the velocity vector for an object moving around a circular arc at constant speed. To follow up, three essential examples of circular motion are demonstrated; the vertical loop, the gra...

The nature of the generalized friction force and how to calculate it is presented in detail immediately followed by two essential problems; an object skidding to rest on a surface and the classic inclined plane. Particular focus is given to the inclin...

A horse drawn cart is used as a classic example of the application of Newton's Second Law. Free body diagrams are drawn for the system with detailed explanation and advice regarding the technique. With the diagrams complete, the law is applied and th...